Despite being heavily affected by typhoon Yagi in 2024, Quang Ninh tourism still achieved its target for the year with 19 million visitors, including 3.8 million foreign visitors and a large number of visitors arriving from international cruise ships.
The arrival of super cruise ships shows that Halong bay has become an attractive destination for international visitors, contributing to affirming Vietnam’s position on the world tourism map. According to data from the Department of Tourism, in 2024, Quang Ninh welcomed about 60 international cruise ships, bringing more than 70,000 visitors of different nationalities to Halong. The cruise ships arriving at the port this year belong to many large and world-famous brands.
Mr. Bobb, an American tourist, said: “In addition to experiencing the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay, we were updated on many major cultural activities, festivals, major events of Quang Ninh province as well as interesting experience schedules. We wish to stay longer and learn about the unique culture here.”
Quang Ninh has a huge competitive advantage in the domestic and regional cruise tourism market share. Therefore, in recent years, Halong city has always paid attention to improving infrastructure and developing specific tourism products for cruise passengers. Businesses and localities join hands to develop and innovate destinations and tourism products to retain and increase tourist spending.
According to Nguyen Tuan Minh, Permanent Vice Chairman of Halong City People’s Committee, the city is promoting the development of tourist spots in the area in association with the two projects “Halong City – City of Festivals” and “City of Flowers”. At the same time, the City People’s Committee has called on strategic investors to invest in high-class tourism projects and products in the area, promoting the role of the province’s tourism and economic center.
Quang Ninh has promoted connections with new cruise routes such as the Guangzhou – Halong and Hong Kong – Halong routes. In particular, the Bac Hai – Halong route is being accelerated. According to information from the Halong International Passenger Port, there are currently 60 cruise ships registered to dock in 2025, bringing about 90,000 tourists to Quang Ninh.
Quang Ninh tourism industry has coordinated with departments, branches and functional agencies to improve the quality of welcoming cruise ship tourists; strengthen advertising, Halong tour, marketing and promotion activities; focus on developing luxury tourism products; and at the same time commit to always accompany and provide the best support for businesses to jointly develop tourism in the province.
